NEWS
Mining Sector Vital to Economic Growth — Osinbajo
By Edozie Obasi-Eze
Nigeria’s Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo has identified the mining sector as a vital part of the Federal Government’s recent National Development Plan 2021-2025.
In a statement released on Tuesday in Abuja, through his spokesman, Laolu Akande, Osinbajo was said to have made the remark at the opening of the 5th Annual Nigeria Mining Week Discourse Series.
The theme of this year’s discourse is, “Top Seven Reasons to Invest in Nigeria’s Mining Sector.”
Osinbajo said, “It is significant that within the space of a year, we have recorded a 26.7 per cent increase in revenue generation from 2019 to 2020.
“But while this is encouraging, we recognise that there is still a lot of work to be done.
“That is why this forum is so important; we are privileged to have in attendance, so many distinguished experts and resource persons that deeply understand governance vis-à-vis the Mining Sector in Nigeria.”
In his remarks, delivered virtually, Osinbajo highlighted the inflow of notable investments already recorded in the sector.
He averred that the inflow was early evidence that the Federal Government’s framework was on the right track.
“These investments include Thor Exploration Limited’s Segilola Gold Mine in Osun State, with an initial production capacity of 80,000 ounces of gold annually, representing the first large-scale gold mine in Nigeria.
“In June last year, I also had the privilege of commissioning the Dukia Gold & Precious Metals Refinery (DGPMR) Project.
“The company set out to be a foremost indigenous refiner and trader of gold and other precious metals. Its potential impact on the gold sector is nothing short of revolutionary.
“By providing offtake opportunities through the establishment of Precious Metals Buying Centres, it serves as a spur for more small and medium scale mining investment.
“Its refinery symbolizes its focus on value addition in the gold and precious metals industry in Nigeria and West Africa.
“A similarly remarkable investment is the integrated Iron Ore Mining and Processing Plant set up by African Natural Resources and Mines Limited (ANRML) in Kaduna.
“It has an initial production capacity of 4.704 million tons of iron per annum and will scale up to 5.88 million tons per annum.”
He said that Nigeria was revitalising the mining sector with lessons learned from half a century of resource extraction.
According to him, the Federal Government recognises that it is not enough to seek investment merely for the sake of exploitation and extraction.
He maintained that the mining sector could help rewrite a new chapter of economic growth for Nigeria.
“Concurrently, there is an ongoing review of the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act 2007, aimed at bringing legislation into conformity with global best practices, limiting the role of government to that of regulation, and creating the space for the private sector to maintain a more expansive presence in the sector.
“What will be evident to a potential investor is that we have built a robust framework for the mining sector, line by line.
“In 2016, the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, in collaboration with industry stakeholders, produced a clear Roadmap for the growth and development of the Nigerian Mining Sector Industry.
“In pursuit of the goals set forth in the roadmap, government initiated an ambitious reform regime in the sector, the flagship of which is the National Integrated Mineral Exploration Programme (NIMEP).”
Biztellers reports that the Nigeria Mining Week, organised by the Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN) in collaboration with the private sector and supported by the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development.
Former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has agreed to appear before the Federal High Court in Abuja for his arraignment on corruption charges filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Bello’s lead counsel, Abdulwahab Mohammed, assured Justice Emeka Nwite of his client’s willingness to face the court on June 13, following the rejection of a request to suspend the trial.
Mohammed emphasized that Bello is not apprehensive about the arraignment itself but rather concerned for his safety in the custody of the EFCC in Abuja.
He cited consistent threats to Bello’s life in the capital city as the reason for his client’s decision to prioritize personal safety by going underground.
The decision to comply with the court trial was influenced by Justice Nwite’s remarks, affirming the EFCC’s commitment to legal protocols.
The Judge assured that the EFCC operates within legal boundaries, noting Bello’s situation isn’t unprecedented.
Emphasizing the presumption of innocence, Justice Nwite highlighted the unproven nature of the allegations.
He advised Bello’s lawyer to urge his client to respect the court’s authority.
In response, Bello’s counsel thanked the Judge and pledged Bello’s cooperation, relying on the EFCC’s assurance of adherence to due process.
He said “All my client needs is just an assurance for the safety of his life which has been under threat for sometimes in Abuja.”
The lawyer requested a four-week grace period to present his client before the court, stating that Bello would appear in court rather than at the EFCC to enter his plea on the charges.
With no objection from the EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo SAN, Justice Nwite scheduled June 13 for Bello’s appearance in court to have his plea recorded.
Isa Dogonyaro, a 46-year-old member of the House of Representatives representing Babura/Garki Federal Constituency in Jigawa State, has passed away.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker reportedly died in Abuja on Friday following a short illness, according to a statement of condolences released by the House of Representatives spokesperson, Akin Rotimi.
The statement read, “It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Hon Isa Dogonyaro (Kogunan Ringim), the distinguished member representing the Babura/Garki Federal Constituency of Jigawa State in the 10th Assembly of the House of Representatives. Hon Dogonyaro passed away after a brief illness.
“Hon Isa Dogonyaro was a dedicated and passionate legislator who served his constituents and the nation with utmost commitment.
“He was a pillar in the House, contributing significantly to the development of legislation, particularly in the area of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria Control, where he served as the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee.
Elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, Hon Dogonyaro was known for his integrity, diligence, and unwavering dedication to the welfare of the Nigerian people. His presence will be sorely missed in the hallowed chambers of the House of Representatives.”
The statement emphasized the qualities of the late lawmaker, Hon Isa Dogonyaro, not only as a legislator but also as a commendable Nigerian.
“Hon Isa Dogonyaro was a detribalized patriot who was very jovial as much as he was an intellectual. He built strong bonds of friendship with Honourable members from all parts of the country. He is survived by wives and children.
“In this moment of grief, our thoughts and prayers are with his family, constituents, colleagues, and the people of Jigawa State. We pray for strength and comfort for all who mourn his passing.”
The statement added “Details of his funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.”
In a significant legal blow to former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, the Federal High Court in Abuja has rejected his request to suspend proceedings in his trial for alleged N80.2 billion fraud.
Bello sought a stay of execution citing an ongoing appeal by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against a contempt application he filed against EFCC chairman, Ola Olukayode.
Justice Emeka Nwite delivered the ruling on Friday, rejecting Bello’s application presented by his lawyer, Abdulwahab Mohammed.
Nwite stated that “The application cannot be entertained unless the defendant is present in the court. In the absence of the defendant in court, the motion on notice filed by the complainant can only be conducted if the defendant is in court”.
Justice Nwite admonished Bello for undermining the seriousness of the criminal case by opting to stay at home and disregard court orders.
More to follow…………….
JUST IN: Yahaya Bello To Present Himself For Arraignment
House of Reps Member, Isa Dogonyaro Passes Away
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